Northeast is emerging destination for new 'Startups': Dr Jitendra Singh

Northeast is emerging
destination for new 'Startups': Dr Jitendra Singh

The Union Minister
of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER),
MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr.
Jitendra Singh has said that Northeast is an emerging destination for new
"Startups" from across the country. He was addressing the inaugural
session of “Youth Connect” programme organized by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar College,
University of Delhi, today.

Dr. Jitendra Singh said, with increasing awareness about Northeast in the rest
of the country and the government led by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s
special focus on the region, the day is not far when youth from all parts of
India will be heading for North-Eastern States to explore new avenues of
employment and vocation. As the connectivity by air, rail and road improves and
various initiatives of Central Government make headway, Northeast region will
emerge as an important industrial and business hub, not only for India but also
for the other countries across the eastern border.

Referring to “Startup India, Standup India” plan announced by Prime Minister on
16th of this month, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, while the provision of two years
of tax-free facility and 3 months’ exit period are unique features of this
plan, on behalf of the Ministry of DoNER, an added incentive is being
contemplated in the form of a “Venture” fund for new entrepreneurs so as to
provide them relief from financial liabilities. This will not only boost
employability and revenue in the region, but would also offer an incentive and
thus attract youth from the other parts of the country to come and to
participate in the development of the North-Eastern States.

With India on the threshold of becoming a world power on the strength of its
youth energy, who comprise more than 65% of the country’s population, Dr.
Jitendra Singh said, the youth of Northeast, with their superlative talent and
high literacy rate, are going to make a substantial contribution in the ascent
of 21st century India. He called upon youth to make the best of this
opportunity and assured that the DoNER Ministry will do everything possible to
facilitate optimum utilization of the youth potential from Northeast. He
further informed that the Ministry has already started a Call Centre and
invited youth from across the country to feel free to offer their inputs and
become participants in planning the future initiatives by the Ministry.